Speech #990042415

Congress have significant concerns about legalization. Therefore. I feel we should return to the Select Commission unanimous finding that legalization should not go into effect until adequate enforcement measuresincreased border enforcement. reduction in visa overstays and unauthorized employmentare substantially in place. I believe that this approach is reasonable and desirable. However. we are not attempting to add a new twist to the game of immigration reform. This approach to legalization was recommended by the Select Commission on Refugee Policyby a unanimous vote of 16 to 0. And let me state further that I remain fully committed to a legalization program. I think it it good public policy and those of us in the Congress who share this commitment are in the position to ensure that we will have a one time full legalization. Mr. President I will conclude by quoting the former chairman of the Select Commission. my fine friend and coworker father Ted Hesburgh: "We must close the back door to illegal immigration in order to leave the front door open to legal immigration." Those are very wise words indeed. Unless illegal immigration is brought under control. I and many others. fear an increasing public intolerancea lack of compassion if you willto all forms of immigrationlegal and illegal. It is this unwanted and wretched result that this bill today attempts to avoid. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill and a detailed summary of the bill be printed in the RECORD.